Responding to the Needs of Family Caregivers in Erie
Maureen A. Wendt of The Dale Association, a Lockport PA based non-profit organization that provides caregiver support services and enrichment activities for adults, reported that “at least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are family caregivers of someone 65 or older who need help because of a limitation in their physical, mental, or cognitive functioning.
Family caregivers provide 85 percent of all care to the frail and disabled and yet the circumstances of individual caregivers are extremely varied – they may live nearby or far away from their loved one; they may provide care occasionally, daily, or for a long duration; they may help with household tasks or self-care activities, or they may provide care for complex medical conditions; or they may be responsible for all of these activities.”
The impact of caregiving on families is enormous. In fact, new research finds that “taking care of tired caregivers could be as important as providing care for their loved ones.” Many family caregivers must completely change their lifestyle to take care of their loved one, and caring for a family member with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease is extremely stressful, and can take both a physical and emotional toll on caregivers.
Wendt emphasizes how it is important that we respond to the needs of caregivers, and help make their lives better. A family caregiver's health, wellness, and emotional support are important to our community. Helping family caregivers to support seniors and to manage and coordinate senior care is key.
BrightStar Care of Erie provides family caregiving support for seniors, children, and families. To learn more about our home care support services, please visit our website.
Source: http://www.lockportjournal.com/community/senior-spotlight-classes-available-to-local-caregivers/article_185ec0a6-25b7-5914-9948-b6281a97f4d2.html